Wednesday 25 September 2013 07.21 EDT
First published on Wednesday 25 September 2013 07.21 EDT

British Airways passengers with check-in luggage have been unable to fly from Heathrow's Terminal 5 (T5) because of a computer problem.

The IT difficulty meant that those turning up at T5 with bags needing to go in the aircraft hold were unable to travel.

T5, from where nearly all BA flights operate at Heathrow, had a disastrous opening day in March 2008 when hundreds of bags went astray, causing long flight delays. However, the terminal has had few problems since, and has won widespread praise.

The difficulties on Wednesday began at around 9am. By around 11.30am Heathrow said its staff had restored partial check-in for hold baggage and were working hard to restore full operations. Shortly before midday, Heathrow said all check-in services for hold luggage had been restored.

"We have additional staff in the terminal to help passengers," a Heathrow spokeswoman said. Incoming flights were unaffected.

A BA spokesman said: "We are sorry for any inconvenience to customers and we are working hard with the airport owner to minimise any disruption.